Tracy Becker

Tracy Becker is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at McMaster University, where she has been since 2014. Her expertise lies in the design, modeling, and experimental testing of high-performance structural systems with a focus on seismic isolation.

Education:

• BS in Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego
• MS and PhD in Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials, University of California, Berkeley
• Post-doctoral research at Kyoto University's Disaster Prevention Research Institute

Research Interests:
Becker specializes in seismic isolation systems, hybrid simulation methods, and structural performance under extreme events. Her work spans bridge engineering, nuclear infrastructure protection, and innovative materials for earthquake resilience. She integrates computational modeling with experimental validation to address challenges in:

• Nonlinear system behavior in isolated structures
• Multi-hazard optimization for seismic and wind loads
• Bridge management using data-driven and fuzzy logic frameworks
• Advanced gusset plate design for seismic retrofit
• Adaptive isolation systems for nuclear facilities
• Probabilistic lifetime demand predictions for infrastructure

Teaching:
She has instructed courses in Seismic Design (CIVENG 4ED4), Structural Mechanics (CIVENG 2C04), and Earthquake Engineering (CIVENG 730) at McMaster University.